Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

METRO | POLITICS

Letter to the Editor: It's time to impeach Michael Murphy

Nov. 21, 2019

Impeachment is a strong and often fearlessly used word, so much so that the popularity of the word on Merriam-Webster’s website jumped 3,600 percent the day House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced an impeachment inquiry into President Trump. By all means, impeachment is a rallying cry that screams justice, accountability and the need for marginalized voices to be loud and clear in the face of adversity. It’s for these reasons that our conscience and decency as a student body force us to begin the process of impeaching president Michael Murphy.

METRO

Construction begins at Celebration Pointe Dave & Buster’s

By Priya Dames | Nov. 21, 2019

The distinct ding of arcade games and cheers of bar patrons as their favorite teams’ score will soon ring throughout Celebration Pointe.

Ibram X. Kendi answers an audience question during a question and answer session moderated by author and history professor Jack Davis while Kendi’s daughter sits in his lap at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Thursday night. About 1,230 people attended the event.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Hardcore Antiracist, softcore vegan: Ibram X. Kendi speaks at UF

By Ana Escalante | Nov. 21, 2019

Ibram X. Kendi spoke about dismantling oppressive systems, the role of the church in racism and teaching African American history in Alachua County Public Schools — all while holding his 3-year-old baby in his arms.

Flo Turcotte holds a candle for the vigil during the Transgender Day of Remembrance at Depot Park Wednesday night.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Standing in solidarity: Community holds vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance

By Alex DeLuca | Nov. 21, 2019

"La Joha" González Leal, 26, Maracaibo, Venezuela.

METRO

GoFundMe page raises nearly $39,000 for 6-month-old survivor of fatal car crash

By Lina Ruiz | Nov. 20, 2019

After a 6-month-old baby became the sole survivor of a car crash on Waldo Road, hundreds have raised more than $38,000 in two days in support.

In this Oct. 17, 2019 photo, buses depart from Baker County High School in Glen St. Mary, Fla. Unease spread across Baker County when authorities arrested a 15-year-old who they say planned a massacre at the county's only high school. Anger grew when a judge dismissed second-degree felony charges against the boy.(AP Photo/Bobby Caina Calvan)

METRO

Nearly 2,000 sign for removal of judge who dismissed potential school shooting case

By Dana Cassidy | Nov. 19, 2019

Thousands signed their names to support a petition calling for the removal of a judge they say unjustly threw out the case of a potential school shooter.

FILE - In this March 22, 2019 file photo, Heather Randazzo, a grow employee at Compassionate Care Foundation's medical marijuana dispensary, trims leaves off marijuana plants in the company's grow house in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. New Jersey legislative leaders unveiled a proposed ballot question Monday, Nov. 18, that would ask voters whether the state should legalize recreational marijuana. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

METRO

'The Green Rush:' Floridians discuss cannabis’ impacts

By Ana Escalante | Nov. 19, 2019

Leaders from around Florida met Tuesday afternoon to discuss the state’s budding industry: cannabis.

Lauren Poe speaks to a crowd of reporters and about 100 supporters Tuesday at the Public and General restaurant. Poe beat three opponents to win his second term as mayor of Gainesville.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville to be audited, former city auditor citing financial mismanagement

By Lina Ruiz | Nov. 19, 2019

A state official is set to investigate the city of Gainesville’s financial operations five months after the city’s auditor was fired from his position.

METRO | POLITICS

The age gap within the U.S. is getting out of hand.

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 19, 2019

The internet is divided yet again, but this time it’s a battle between generations. It’s the old vs. new, or, millennials vs. boomers.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

GPD: Man rapes woman after chatting on social media

By Dana Cassidy | Nov. 19, 2019

A man was arrested after police say he raped a woman he met on Snapchat and other applications.

METRO

Man accused of shooting girlfriend five times after argument

By Dana Cassidy | Nov. 19, 2019

It started with a cheating confrontation and ended in a driveby shooting.

METRO | POLITICS

Battling desensitization in today’s climate

By Lauren Rousseau | Nov. 17, 2019

An excessive amount of headlines hurdle past your eyes by the second.

METRO

ACORN Medical Clinic to close its doors by the end of the year

By Priya Dames | Nov. 17, 2019

After 45 years of providing medical care to lower income and uninsured residents, an Alachua County clinic stopping medical services.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Three adults killed, a child and newborn injured in car crash

By Dana Cassidy | Nov. 17, 2019

The crash happened just before midnight Saturday

Sen. Gary Farmer (D) said that gun violence is a public health emergency and that legislators should treat it as such. “The time to act is now,” he said.

METRO

March For Our Lives hand delivers gun safety plan to governor's office

By Alex DeLuca | Nov. 14, 2019

Nearly five hours away from the Florida State Capitol, Logan Rubenstein’s phone flashed with news headlines. There was another school shooting –– this time, in Santa Clarita, California.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Man wanted, accused of sexually battering someone while armed

By Dana Cassidy | Nov. 14, 2019

Law enforcement is looking for a man who they say sexually battered a person at gunpoint in September.

Donald Trump Jr. speaks to a crowd of more than 800 people Thursday evening. Trump’s speech was met with a mixture of cheers and boos.

METRO | POLITICS

University Police spent more than $10,000 for Trump Jr., Guilfoyle visit

By Ana Escalante | Nov. 13, 2019

Protesters called Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle’s $50,000 visit to UF last month a waste of student funds. Now, they can add $10,000 to that bill.

Adrian Hayes-Santos shakes City Commissioner David Arreola’s hand Tuesday during Hayes-Santos and Lauren Poe’s watch party at the Public and General restaurant. Hayes-Santos beat Robert Mounts to become Gainesville city commissioner for District 4.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Two City Commissioners’ emails no longer available online

By Lina Ruiz | Nov. 12, 2019

Two city commissioners opted out of publishing their professional emails Thursday.

METRO

Florida’s Amber Alert system receives first upgrade since 2002

By Alex DeLuca | Nov. 12, 2019

Missing Child Alert (unaffected by the update):

Svetlana Scalise, 6, places a flower on the grave of a veteran Monday in Evergreen Cemetery. Her father said she had the day off and wanted to spend it giving flowers to veterans.

METRO

Veterans and supporters join together for a day of remembrance at Evergreen Cemetery

By Eli Rosen | Nov. 12, 2019

Veterans and loved ones joined together in silence among the graves to honor the veterans in their own community.